Who Has the Best Tight End in the NFC North?
The NFC North is gearing up to be one of the best divisions in football once again in 2025. Each team has its impressive players, but with the tight end position becoming increasingly important every season, having the best one in the division may be a big advantage. The offseason has created some big changes for all four teams; however, each tight end is projected to remain the starter for the 2025 season. So, which team in the North has the best tight end?
The Green Bay Packers will have Tucker Kraft return as the starter for the second straight year, only having three years in the NFL after being drafted in 2023. Kraft had 707 yards and seven touchdowns last season in his first year as a starter. He would become a huge asset to quarterback Jordan Love, who wouldn’t have many weapons to target with a young wide receiving room. As he heads into his third season in the NFL, he will look to make a huge jump despite an impressive start to his career. While Kraft has all the tools to be a great tight end, he hasn’t quite done enough to proclaim himself as the best in the NFC North.
The Chicago Bears have had a busy offseason, with a complete overhaul of the coaching staff. Chicago would also make an interesting decision in the NFL Draft with their 10th pick, selecting tight end Colston Loveland. The pick would raise some questions at the position, but Cole Kmet remains the projected starter for Week One. Kmet has had an interesting career filled with many different quarterbacks, going back to 2020 when he was drafted by Chicago. Despite the many different coaching and quarterback changes Kmet has dealt with, he has remained the team’s starter for five years. He would have a shaky 2024 season, only having 474 yards and four touchdowns. While it may have been a down year for Kmet and unable to make a claim he’s the best in the division, he is looking forward to his brand new head coach, who has proven in the past his ability to utilize the position.
Another tight end who would have a shaky 2024 season comes from the Minnesota Vikings in T.J. Hockenson. Going into his fourth year with Minnesota, Hockenson has proven himself to be a valuable asset to the team. He would get injured at the end of the 2023 season, which would take him out of action for the first few weeks of last season, only allowing him to play ten games in 2024. Hockenson would catch for 455 yards on only 62 targets, coming off two seasons where he would have over 900 total yards. While the injury would create a bit of a setback, Hockenson has all the potential to make a big impact this season and return to form. He may be a good candidate to be the best, but not above the starter in the Motor City.
Tight end Sam LaPorta has become not only the best in his division but a contender for best in the league. The Detroit Lions would be drafted in 2023, evolving into one of Dan Campbell’s best draft picks in a big list of superstar names. LaPorta has totaled 1,615 yards and 17 touchdowns in just two seasons in the NFL, being a part of an incredibly talented offense in Detroit. While he wouldn't have a better sophomore season than his rookie year, he would still be in the top six of receiving yards amongst tight ends last season. Heading now into his third year as a starter, LaPorta will not only look to continue to be the best NFC North tight end, but the best in the NFL.
